the last book I ever read (The Iceman Cometh by Eugene O'Neill, excerpt six)

from The Iceman Cometh by Eugene O'Neill:

HICKEY
With an amused wink at HOPE.
Now, listen, Jimmy, you needn’t go on. We’ve all heard that story about how you came back to Cape Town and found her in the hay with a staff officer. We know you like to believe that was what started you on the booze and ruined your life.

JIMMY
Stammers.
I—I’m talking to Harry. Will you kindly keep out of—
With a pitiful defiance.
My life is not ruined!